About Calochlaena dubia (R.Br.) M.D.Turner & R.A.White
This fern species, scientifically named Calochlaena dubia (R.Br.) M.D.Turner & R.A.White, produces fronds that grow from thick, brown-haired rhizomes. Mature fronds reach heights between 0.4 and 1.5 meters. Its foliage is yellow-green, which contrasts with the darker, shiny green of the related bracken species Pteridium esculentum. The stipe changes color along its length, shifting from dark brown through reddish tones to yellow brown, and is covered in soft brown hairs. Overall, fronds have a triangular shape and are structured as tripinnate-pinnatifid. Its sori form near the margins of the fronds. In the wild, Calochlaena dubia grows as an understory plant in open forests and rainforests across eastern Australia, ranging from Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania. It can grow to form large dense banks or swathes of vegetation. In cultivation, this species is well suited for garden growing and is easy to cultivate. Because of its spreading growth habit, it must be kept contained by regularly cutting its rhizomes, and requires plenty of space to grow. It grows well on clay soils.
